Outemu Dustproof Red vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Dustproof Red and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Dustproof Red is best known for its linear feel, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its unique construction, featuring a PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Xinhai is also categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy', providing a variety of tactile feedback for users to enjoy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Red and the HMX Xinhai, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users looking to achieve a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for incorporating RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. As such, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both switches due to the shared material in their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Outemu Dustproof Red uses nylon, while the HMX Xinhai also opts for the same material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing users with a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Despite this difference in material between the top and bottom housings, both switches offer a unique tactile and auditory experience, catering to a variety of user preferences.
The distinction between the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Dustproof Red and the HMX Xinhai showcases how each material contributes to the overall typing experience. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This division of qualities between the two housings allows for a more nuanced typing experience, giving users the opportunity to customize their switches based on their preferences for sound and feel. Overall, both switches offer a balance of qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, providing users with a dynamic and versatile typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Dustproof Red is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The difference in weight between the two switches means that the Xinhai will provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer less resistance when typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red offers a heavier push feel, which may be favored by users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the lighter Xinhai being better suited for longer typing sessions and the heavier Dustproof Red providing a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. The Dustproof Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different feel and typing experience due to their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preference. Ultimately, the Dustproof Red provides a longer key press depth, while the Xinhai offers a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
The Outemu Dustproof Red comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is known for being relatively quiet compared to other switches, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience without much audible feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This distinct sound profile comes from the combination of the unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, with the Dustproof Red offering a quieter typing experience and the Xinhai providing a more pronounced auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch lacks a specific descriptor for its tactile feel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a combination of bouncy and creamy sensations. The bouncy feedback from the Xinhai switch gives a spring-like and lively feel to each keystroke, providing a sense of rebound when pressed. Additionally, the creamy aspect of the switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that glide across the keys with ease. This unique combination of tactile sensations in the Xinhai switch sets it apart from the Dustproof Red, which may offer a more straightforward typing feel without as much variation in feedback.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch each have their own strengths when it comes to sound and feel. While the Dustproof Red may provide a quieter typing experience and a more consistent feel, the Xinhai excels in offering a clacky sound profile along with a bouncy and creamy tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the individual's preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. If you prefer a quieter and more consistent typing experience, the Dustproof Red may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharper sound and a combination of bouncy and creamy tactile sensations, the HMX Xinhai could offer a more satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, your decision will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a straightforward linear switch without any particular sound or feel characteristics, the Dustproof Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force and are interested in a switch that offers a unique acoustics profile with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Xinhai switch could be the perfect fit for your typing experience. Make sure to consider these factors carefully before making your decision to ensure that you find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
